I agree the NCAA is corrupt as hell - but what about the G league or the Euro league? It's not like he didn't have options to just sitting out a year.
Okay, so why are you calling him a mercenary for wanting to be paid to play basketball? That's what I quoted, not your questioning of why he didn't play in the G League or Europe.
Nope. @oldmangrouch ain't stupid! Back in his day 1 million dollars would be worth what, 16 million today? I'm actually complimenting his intelligence.
Clips of someone dunking without any defense at all is not impressive to me. Complete waste of a tweet.
Personally a lot! I requested to go on salary so I could work to my hearts content without worrying about how many hours I was working. I really like my job though, something very few people can say.
That's pretty cool, though choosing to go on salary isn't the same thing as working for free. I do understand wanting to potentially work more than you're necessarily being paid for. My dad was the same way--worked late nights at home because it was a passion. And honestly, I think many/most NBA players are the same way--they work more than they absolutely have to because basketball is a passion for them.
I'm not "upset" - I'm explaining why I don't like the idea of the Blazers drafting him. As I have said before, I want the team to either draft a player (not a "prospect") or use the pick as a trade asset.
You're a better man than me. What confuses me is, why is Bazely a merc for getting a paid internship instead of taking pennies on the dollar to play in the G league or ZERO dollars to play on the plantation that is the NCAA. Why are they not mercs?
Think about it though: if he had played NCAA ball--and played well--isn't it likely that he'd have improved his draft stock? In that case, is he actually "playing for free", or is he investing time/energy with the potential of increasing return?
So then if we had it your way there'd be no Simons on the team. What you're saying also makes no sense. Every rookie is a prospect. Every single one.
He's playing for free because A. he's not receiving any piece of the revenue he's helping generate, B. he could improve his abilities and draft stock playing in a paid league and C. if he's injured, he realizes none of that "increasing return." The NCAA system is pretty terrible and I hope more players start circumventing it.
I don't disagree about the NCAA or the college system as a whole. You think Student athletes have it bad? I think all students have it bad, you get pretty much ripped off and put into debt early in your life just to get a job you probably didn't want to begin with. Also I understand Rich Paul is an advocate for his clients and that's his job, I'm ok with that too. What I'm not sure I like is that Rich Paul / Klutch sports seems to always be involved with chemistry issues, and guys "trying to get there's" and not being about their team. If I was a GM, I would be concerned about what his clients might do for the Chemistry of the team I want to build. Now all of that is ok, an Athlete's window is small, they want to make the money while they can and I absolutely understand that. It's business, and GM's are just as slimey for the most part as anyone. I'm just saying I'd be concerned about bringing on RP/Klutch just because I'd be looking for guys who want to win as a team. Not sure if that makes sense.
He's "playing for free" in the same way that people investing money in uncertain vehicles are "spending money on nothing". True, he's not receiving a piece of the pie (tuition, but that's minor). Kind of like investors getting small dividends. Yes, he could improve his abilities elsewhere. Kind of like how investors could invest their money elsewhere--it's up to the investor to decide which route likely nets the best return (or lowest risk). Yes, if he's injured, he realizes none of that potential return. Kind of like how if a company goes bankrupt, the investors lose their money. As I said, for first-round-caliber prospects, playing NCAA ball is an investment. It provides exposure that would likely not be as easily/readily available via other means. I see no issue with players choosing to forego college hoops, but it is disingenuous to claim that those who do play realize no benefit from it.
Now you're getting into semantics. In baseball, this type of player is called a "toolsgoof". They have all the physical talent needed, but have never learned how to actually play the game. These are the kids who look like Roger Clemans at 18, and need Tommy John surgery by 20 because they destroyed their own arm with bad mechanics. In this case the consequences are less dire, but for a team trying to contend it is still a waste of an asset. I don't care if a kid like Kabengele has a hypothetically lower ceiling - if he can help the team in the next couple of years, IMHO he is a better option. I don't expect to change your mind, I'm just explaining my position.
I think you could make an argument that most people are mercs, basketball players included. I don't have a huge problem with it or RP in that regard there all out trying to "get theirs". It creates an interesting world though when everyone is out to gain for themselves. I mean we hate on the NCAA, but really aren't they doing the same? Just out making their money and getting away with not sharing it? I mean it sucks but it seems like there's a bunch of money out there somewhere that these people are all out fighting over who's going to get the bigger amount. The NCAA is out for themselves. The Athletes are out for themselves. The NBA is out for themselves. The Agents are out for themselves. Seems to be a theme.
